Systems of sport performance enhancement and marketing

ABSTRACT

Systems of affecting sports performance are disclosed that provide sensory stimulation and induce a response, such as a psychological or physiologic response, including performance enhancement through sports equipment configuration. Equipment configuration may include sensory stimulation configurations, such as color, image, business designation, or other indicia, provided to sports equipment, potentially through paint processes, and may utilize color psychology to make color or other customized visual, psychological, or physiological dependent choices, creating indicia to produce consistent performance, a vehicle for self-expression, or brand awareness. Marketing systems are further disclosed incorporating indicia configured to sports equipment, such as golf clubs, serving as custom expressive indicia. Further, systems are disclosed that assist consumers in making configuration determinations and purchases employing any or all of the above elements.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S. provisionalapplication No. 60/377,676, filed May 3, 2002, hereby incorporated byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention is directed to the fields of sports,performance enhancement, and marketing, generally. The present inventionis applicable in affecting sports performance, systems of performanceenhancement, marketing systems, and sports equipment customization andconfiguration. Embodiments of the present invention may be especiallyapplicable for the inducement of a response, such as a psychological orphysiologic response, to provide performance enhancement through sportsequipment configuration, and in some embodiments, as a marketing system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The use and effects of color and imagery on emotion and mood mayhave been considered in a variety of fields for many years. For example,a “green room” is often provided for guests prior to a televisionappearance in an attempt to calm the guest. As a further example, andwith regard to athletic sport facilities, the locker room for theopposing team may be painted pink in an general attempt to make the teammore subdued. A further example might include the usage of dark coloredjerseys, such as the dark uniforms of the Oakland Raiders™ footballteam, which may be utilized in a general attempt to bolster the team'saggressiveness and in hopes of frightening the opposing team.

[0004] Sports, in particular, often incorporate various psychologic andphysiologic aspects that individually affect participant performance,such as an individual's ability to focus on the particular action orfunction required during participation in the sport. The participant'spsychologic and physiologic state may ultimately affect theparticipant's performance and the outcome of the athletic event. Ingolf, for example, the individual must concentrate on striking a smallball with a club, swinging with sufficient force to allow satisfactoryadvancement of the ball, while maintaining a consistent swing of theclub to allow for sufficient force to be applied and to providesufficient control over ball trajectory. It is generally considered thatmany of the above factors regarding the club swing may be affected to alarge extent by the participant's psychologic and physiologic stateprior to and during performance of the sport, especially during the clubswing, and the effect such state has on performance.

[0005] Sports equipment manufactures, such as golf club manufactures,have provided various finishes to their clubs. One significant problemis that while there are different finishes on sports equipment, thefinishes do not address the psychological or physiological state of theindividual as previously mentioned, especially during performance. Forexample, there are painting techniques used on golf clubs as thosedisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,022,706 (and subsequent U.S. Pat. No.5,805,245) that use thermochromic liquid crystals that will allow thegolfer to see where on the club head the ball is struck using the heatproduced at the point of impact. Furthermore, there are techniques suchas those disclosed in U.S. Publication No. 2002/0032073 (U.S.application Ser. No. 09/246,976) to apply durable finishes into whichlimited colors can be added to create a diamond-like carbon decorativecoating for metals. While such methods may give feedback after the ballis hit, or may provide durability and limited color options,respectively, these processes do not affect or enhance the performanceof the participant by particularly addressing the individual'spsychologic or physiologic state, especially during the performance of asport such as golf, or induce a response that affects or enhancesperformance, especially prior to or during play.

[0006] One golf club manufacture provides a particular finish to theclub head of the club, in an attempt to help the individual frame theball with the club head at address. The finish of the club, referred toas a GunMetal™ finish, is provided on the club head, as shown anddescribed in the heretofore cited website reference and as provided byCleveland Golf™. Although the attempt appears to be directed to themechanical aspect of using the club, the finish does not address theindividual's psychologic or physiologic state, does not affect orenhance the performance of the participant relative to such psychologicor physiologic state, especially during the performance of the sport,and is not directed to the inducement of a response that affects orenhances performance, especially prior to or during play.

[0007] Again, using golf as but one example, there are techniques toapply printing on the head of the golf club, such as disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 5,337,670, and techniques to etch the metal surfaces of thegolf club after fabrication, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.5,800,285, but again, neither of these processes address thepsychological or physiological state of the individual, does not affector enhance the performance of the participant relative to suchpsychologic or physiologic state, especially during the performance ofthe sport, and is not directed to the inducement of a response thataffects or enhances performance, especially prior to or during play. Thetechniques also may not address aspects of color or imagery asperformance enhancements.

[0008] A recognized need exists, therefore, in sports, such as golf, toaddress the psychologic and physiologic aspects that affect individualparticipant performance, especially during the performance of the sport.There has always been the desire to improve individual performance insports, particularly individual performance during participation.However, there has been no satisfactory mode of affecting or enhancingthe performance of the participant, or of inducing enhancement,particularly addressing the individual's psychologic or physiologicstate, especially during the performance of a sport such as golf.Therefore, an unmet need exists for techniques that address thepsychologic or physiologic state of the individual, especially duringthe performance of the sport, and the inducement of a response thataffects or enhances performance, especially prior to or during play.

[0009] Furthermore, the use and effects of color and imagery formarketing purposes may have been considered in a variety of fields formany years. In sports and the sports equipment industry, insignias,colors, images, and other indicia have been used to designate themanufacturer of the equipment, the team or individual utilizing theequipment, and sponsors of the event, team or individual. One example ofsuch use of color or imagery may include the jerseys supplied toprofessional athletic teams, such as the Denver Broncos™, or vehiclesutilized in NASCAR™ events.

[0010] Individuals or groups may have utilized the sports equipment inan attempt to market goods or services or the source thereof,potentially, but not necessarily, related to the use of or associationwith the equipment or the team or individual utilizing the equipment.One example are the decals or other insignias applied to vehiclesutilized in NASCAR™ events, as previously mentioned, designating thesponsors, the vehicle, the driver, and the race team.

[0011] In golf, clubs and other golf equipment may be manufactured andconfigured having etching, stickers, paint, or the like, as previouslydescribed, that designate the manufacturer, that have mechanicalfunction, such as color or etching to line up a club head to the golfball and to frame the ball at address, or that provide a limited colorselection for the general populous of consumers. The etching, stickers,paint, or the like, may correspond with a trademark or trade dress ofthe manufacturer or representative of the manufacturer. However, suchetching, stickers, paint, or the like of clubs or other golf equipmentdo not provide satisfactory indicia to designate other goods, sources orservices, potentially related to the use of or association with the clubor other golf equipment, or marketing apart from that of themanufacturer, representatives of the manufacturer, and the club or otherequipment itself. Furthermore, such configured indicia do not adequatelyaddress the expressive needs or desires of the individual consumer,leaving the selection of indicia to that which is limitedly provided bythe manufacturer.

[0012] Marketing systems, golf marketing systems, and golf equipmentsuch as golf clubs, in particular, have not heretofore met the aboveidentified marketing needs or provided the level of customization orconfiguration potentially desired by the individual consumer in a golfdevice. Further, such systems and equipment have not heretofore met theidentified needs for affecting or enhancing the performance of theparticipant, or inducing enhancement, particularly addressing theindividual's psychologic or physiologic state, and especially during theperformance of a sport such as golf, as previously described.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention provides systems that address theinadequacies that may have existed with prior efforts directed to sportperformance enhancement, marketing, and equipment customization andconfiguration. The present invention may be considered in some aspectsas a development away from that which was previously known in the art ofsport performance, marketing, and equipment customization andconfiguration. Further, the present invention includes a variety ofaspects which may be incorporated in different combinations based uponthe application and needs to be addressed.

[0014] Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to providesystems and techniques affecting or enhancing the performance of asports participant. One corresponding goal of the present invention isto provide systems and techniques particularly addressing theindividual's psychologic or physiologic state, especially during theperformance of a sport such as golf. Another goal is to provide systemsand techniques that induce a response that affects or enhancesperformance, especially prior to or during play.

[0015] A second object of the present invention is to provide systemsand techniques providing indicia to designate goods, sources orservices. One corresponding goal of the present invention is to providedsystems and techniques having indicia related to the use of orassociation with the club or other golf equipment. A secondcorresponding goal is to provide systems and techniques having indiciadesignating marketing apart from that of the manufacturer,representatives of the manufacturer, and the club or other equipmentitself.

[0016] Furthermore, an object of the present invention is to providesystems and techniques addressing the expressive needs or desires of theindividual consumer. One corresponding goal, therefore, is to providesystems and techniques having indicia or configuration that may beappropriately customized and expressive.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide systems andtechniques addressing sensory stimulation of an individual. Onecorresponding goal, therefore, is to provide systems and techniqueshaving indicia or configuration that may be appropriately sensorystimulating for the individual.

[0018] A further object of the invention is to utilize what is knownabout color psychology and the effect of color on mood and emotion andapply this knowledge to the field of sports performance. One goal inkeeping with such objective is to help the consumer achieve a response,and in some instances a psychologic or physiologic response, such as aPavlovian-type response, in the performance of sports wherein theparticipant's psychologic and physiologic state may ultimately affectthe participant's performance and the outcome of the athletic event.

[0019] Other broad objects of the invention include: giving theindividual consumer an opportunity to use the present invention as avehicle for self-expression; utilizing the present invention as avehicle to promote brand awareness; provide services to help consumersmake configuration determinations and purchases based on immediateand/or past criteria, potentially, but not limited to internetembodiments, employing any or all of the previously described objects,goals, elements, and steps thereof.

[0020] Other objectives and goals may be disclosed throughout thisapplication for patent, including the written description, drawings, andclaims. In addition, all objectives and goals may apply either independent or independent fashion to a variety of other objectives andgoals, and in a variety of embodiments, consistent with the presentdisclosure.

[0021] Accordingly, the present invention provides systems andtechniques such as sport systems, marketing systems, equipment, andequipment configuration systems, incorporating in some embodiments,custom expressive indicia and sensory stimulation configurations. Otherembodiments may be disclosed throughout this application for patent,including those embodiments disclosed in the written description,drawings, and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] This application for patent or patent contains at least onedrawing or photograph executed or otherwise provided in color. Copies ofthis patent or patent application publication with color drawing(s) orphotograph(s) will be provided by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Officeupon specific request and payment of the necessary fee.

[0023]FIG. 1 is a graphic representation of a sensory stimulationconfiguration and a response in accordance with the present invention.

[0024] FIGS. 2A-2G are photographs of golf clubs configured in acordancewith embodiments of the present invention, and further exemplifying aproduct of one customization embodiment also of the present invention.

[0025]FIG. 3 is a graphic representation of responses in accordance withthe present invention.

[0026]FIG. 4 is a flow chart of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027]FIG. 5 is a flow chart of another embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0028]FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a customization embodiment of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0029] The features of the present invention may be provided in manydifferent embodiments and may be variously combined in each embodiment.Each of these features may be discussed separately, but each feature mayalso be combined with other disclosed features. While one preferredembodiment of the invention may be directed, for example, to embodimentsincorporating indicia features and corresponding steps, or toembodiments incorporating configuration features and correspondingsteps, the broad concepts should be construed as a disclosure of eachfeature and step or a combination of features and steps, and further tovarious fields of endeavor and applications. Further, while method,apparatus, and device are disclosed in plurality, it should beunderstood that each of these may be varied and described incombination, consistent with this disclosure. Also, while each featureand step may apply to various fields of endeavor and applications, aspreviously mentioned, such indication of applicability should not beconstrued as indicative of what may be determined to be within the priorart.

[0030] As shown in the various figures, embodiments of the presentinvention provide the ability to affect sport performance, to induce apsychological response in sports, to provide performance enhancement insports, sports equipment, to provide for the performance of a sport, andother features that overcome many of the disadvantages of past effortswhile addressing many of the identified but heretofore unresolved orinadequately resolved needs previously identified.

[0031] Generally, embodiments of the present invention provide sensorystimulation configurations to induce a response from an individual, andin some embodiments affect or enhance the individual's performance,where the individual in preferred embodiments is participating in anactivity such as a sport or otherwise some athletic activity or game,such that an effect, a performance, a performance enhancement, anaffecting, or otherwise provision for the activity may occur, as furtherdescribed below. The sensory stimulation configuration or configurationsmay be provided by configuring sports equipment, and in preferredembodiments golf clubs (such as putters, drivers, woods, irons, wedges,utility clubs, rescue clubs, and the like), as further described below,or by the provision of such configured sports equipment. The individual,therefore, responds to the sensory stimulation configurations, asfurther described below, to accomplish the previously mentioned effect,performance, performance enhancement, affecting, or provision.

[0032] Accordingly, the sensory stimulation configuration may induce aresponse, and in some embodiments, a psychological response, aphysiological response, or a combination of such responses. Further, thepsychological response may be manifested as an emotion, a mood, acalming effect (as further described below) or other psychologicalprofile, status, condition or otherwise effect. This psychologicaleffect may further translate into a physiologic response, such as therelaxation of muscles or other physiological profile, status, conditionor otherwise effect, and may even include physiologic effects that arebiochemically attributable or other related responses. Again, and aspreviously mentioned, the response may also be a physiological effect.

[0033] The relationship of the sensory stimulation configuration and theresponse may be described as provided in FIG. 1. FIG. 1 providesgenerally for a relationship of the sensory stimulation configuration 10and an individual's response 12, provided by inducement or stimulus 14.Therefore, the response may be considered to be corresponding to thesensory stimulation configuration, as further described below. In someembodiments, the response may be considered psychologic, physiologic, ora combination thereof. However, other responses may be possible inaccordance with some embodiments. Further, the sensory stimulationconfiguration and response relationship may be considered in someembodiments to exhibit cause and effect type relationships.

[0034] Specifically, and with regard to the relationship depicted inFIG. 1, the inducement or stimulus and the response through the sensorystimulation configuration may be accomplished, in some embodiments,through a form of reinforcement schedule, potentially by a psychologicor physiologic response, that may condition the body of the individualinto a conditioned response, such as a reflexive response.

[0035] Further, embodiments of the present invention can also helpinduce or otherwise generate a pavlovian type response such as in sportswhere consistent body mechanics may be crucial. Using golf as but oneexample, ideally, one would hit all of their clubs using the same swing.As different distances are required, the club changes, but the swingshould remain consistent. The driver and other woods are often used atthe tee box to make the longest shots and therefore it is the tendencyof most players to try to hit the ball harder and therefore disrupt andusually change the mechanics of the swing they have spent hourspracticing. By using a sensory stimulation configuration to induce orotherwise generate a response, as with Pavlov's dogs salivating at thesound of a bell that was rung only at feeding time, a response 12 may beinduced repeatedly, associating a specific response, such as the swingof a golf club, with a specific sensory stimulation configuration 10.Again, relative to the performance of a sport, athletic event, game, orother like activity, such as golf, the individual may be able to trainor otherwise focus on a sensory stimulation configuration, such as atleast one color or image, including at least one business designation,to produce a more correct swing, and therefore a more consistent andaccurate swing.

[0036] The sensory stimulation configuration may be provided as at leastone color, at least one image, or a combination thereof, including, insome embodiments, that which may be considered at least one businessdesignation, such as a trademark or trade dress, potentially for use inbrand recognition. The sensory stimulation configuration may also beprovided as indicia, and in some embodiments custom expressive indicia,as further described below. Therefore the sports equipment may beconfigured with such indicia.

[0037] In some preferred embodiments, the sensory stimulationconfiguration may be provided as at least one color, image, or businessdesignation, or a combination thereof, examples of which are configuredsports equipment, or portions of configured sports equipment, such asconfigured golf clubs, or portions of golf clubs, as in the golf clubsof FIGS. 2A through 2G. The club head in each of these embodiments isconfigured with the sensory stimulation configuration. The sensorystimulation configuration may be configured to the equipment, in someembodiments, in accordance with the configuration techniques furtherdescribed below. The sports equipment, in preferred embodiments, maycomprise a sensory stimulation configuration of at least a portion ofthe sports equipment, such that the sensory stimulation configuration isconfigured to induce a response from the individual and affect theindividual's performance corresponding to the response.

[0038] Further, a sport may thus be performed in accordance with thepresent invention, such that sports equipment configured with a sensorystimulation configuration is utilized and the individual responds to thesensory stimulation configuration, such that an action of the sport maybe performed, such as swinging a golf club, corresponding to theresponse. Golf, as but one example, may be performed as previouslydescribed. Other sports could be performed in a similar fashion inaccordance with the present invention.

[0039] In preferred embodiments, the sports equipment configured withthe sensory stimulation configuration may be utilized such that theresponse is induced during the utilization of the equipment. Forexample, a golfer may view the sensory stimulation configuration,provided as the configured golf club, during the swing and impact withthe ball such that the response is induced. This inducement of theresponse or the affecting of performance may occur during performance ofthe sport, as just previously described in relation to preferredembodiments directed to golf and the swing of the golf club.

[0040] As previously mentioned, the sensory stimulation configurationare provided to induce or otherwise generate a response, as previouslydescribed, that may effect the performance, enhance the performance,provide for the affecting of the performance, or provide for theperformance of a sport or an activity thereof. The sensory stimulationconfiguration may even be provided as configured sport equipment inaccordance with the present invention, as in the embodiments shown inFIGS. 2A through 2G. In some preferred embodiments, and as shown in FIG.3, different colors may evoke different psychological responses. Warmcolors 20, such as reds, oranges and yellows, are utilized to induce,for example, an invigorating response 22, while cool colors 24, such asgreens, blues and purples, are utilized to induce a relaxing response26. Using golf as but one example, the psychological or physiologicalstate of the player may have an appreciatable impact on that player'slevel of performance. The individual usually must stay focused andrelaxed under pressure, perhaps even mentally overriding certainphysical or psychological responses. A typical tendency for golfers, byattempting to hit a golf ball a relatively great distance, is to gripthe club firmly and swing the club at the ball as hard as possible. Itmay, however, be preferable for the golfer to relax, grip the clubloosely, and take a relaxed and full swing, in order to achieve greaterdistances. Therefore, the performance of an individual in a sport, suchas golf, may be enhanced by the sensory stimulation configuration.

[0041] Further, in some embodiments, a psychological response may befollowed by a physiologic response. In other embodiments, an initiallypsychologic response may be followed by a physiologic response. Thecombination and occurrence of the response will be determined by theparticular sensory stimulation configuration and the sensory system ofthe individual, as may be potentially determined by the psychological orphysiological make up of the individual.

[0042] It is of particular notice that the present invention, andparticularly that of the sensory stimulation configuration, need not beapparently associated with structural function of the sports equipment.In some embodiments, the sensory stimulation configuration may even beconfigured such that it is unapparently associated with structuralfunction of the sports equipment, contrary to such markings and otherindicators such as ball aligning marks or other apparently, structurallyfunctional configurations. The sensory stimulation configuration,however, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention,may actually have indirect, latent, or otherwise unapparent associationwith structural function. Therefore, performance enhancement may beprovided by configuring sports equipment with a sensory stimulationconfiguration, unapparently associated with structural function of thesports equipment, inducing a response from an individual correspondingto the sensory stimulation configuration, and enhancing the performanceof said individual corresponding to said response.

[0043] Embodiments of this invention may also lend themselves to beingused for the purpose of self-expression. In using any or all of theaspects of the present invention, one could easily use at least onecolor or image, such as a design or scene, that may or may not feature asensory stimulation configuration aspect, as previously described, butone that was pleasing to the individual or some type of at least onecolor or image with which the individual had positive psychologicalassociations, thus inducing or otherwise generating a response, such asa psychological response.

[0044] It should be understood that the term sensory stimulation isunderstood in accordance with the present disclosure to mean theinitiation or characteristic of one or a plurality of stimulus to one ormore senses or sensory systems of an individual. Such stimulus maybroadly include sound, feel, odor, flavor, or perception, or acombination thereof, relative to senses or sensory systems such ashearing, touch, smell or olfactory senses, taste and vision, all inaccordance with the present invention. In preferred embodiments, suchsensory stimulation may be especially related to visual stimulation, aspreviously described.

[0045] Embodiments of the invention may further provide marketingsystems, golf marketing systems, and sports equipment, such as golfclubs, configured for marketing or otherwise, and other features thatovercome many of the disadvantages of past efforts while addressing manyof the identified but heretofore unresolved or inadequately resolvedneeds previously identified.

[0046] In overcoming such unresolved needs, configurations of sportsequipment, such as golf clubs (such as putters, drivers, woods, irons,wedges, utility clubs, rescue clubs, and the like), may be provided withconfiguration that is indicative of goods or services, such as businessdesignation, or otherwise indicia. In some embodiments of the presentinvention, the indicia is custom expressive.

[0047] The term custom may be considered an option, choice or otherwisean election that is apart from that which is provided to an entirepopulous or group, such as consumers. The option, choice, or otherwiseelection may be directed to a specific group, and in some embodiments, aspecific individual or business, apart from option, choice or otherwiseelection provided to the general market of consumers. The custom aspectmay, in some embodiments, comprise a preference of the specific group,individual, or business. Further, the term expressive, in accordancewith some embodiments of the present invention, may be consideredrepresentative of the indicia, such as at least one color, at least oneimage, at least one business designation, or the like, such as trademarkor trade dress, that represents the custom preference, and potentiallyindicative of stimulus, designation, or creative design.

[0048] In some embodiments, such custom expressive indicia may beunapparently associated with structural function of the correspondingsports equipment, contrary to such markings and other indicators such asball aligning marks or other apparently, structurally functionalconfigurations. The custom expressive indicia, however, in accordancewith some embodiments of the present invention, may actually haveindirect, latent, or otherwise unapparent association with structuralfunction.

[0049] Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention providemarketing systems, golf marketing systems, and sports equipmentconfigurations, such as golf club configurations, or other features andembodiments as previously described, having a configuration orconfigurations comprising custom expressive indicia. In someembodiments, such custom expressive indicia may be the sensorystimulation configuration as previously described, and therefore capableof inducing or otherwise generating a response as previously described.Therefore, sports equipment, and in preferred embodiments golf clubs,may be configured with custom expressive indicia. Marketing, or otherforms business activity, therefore, may be accomplished in accordancewith the present invention.

[0050] The configured indicia, such as the custom expressive indicia,may be used for the purpose of brand recognition, marketing, or otherform of business activity. Sports equipment, such as golf clubs, can beconfigured, such as through painting, for the purpose of creating publicawareness; promotion and/or advertising using indicia, such as at leastone color, image, or business designation. As previously mentioned, thecustom expressive indicia may correspond with or otherwise comprisesensory stimulation configuration, which, in some embodiments, mayprovide a positive psychological benefit, such as a response, for theuser of the equipment, but that further serves as indicia in accordancewith the present invention. Such configuration may create a positivesituation for the group, individual, or business to which the indicia iscustomized and for which the indicia is expressive, while providing thebenefits of sensory stimulation configuration.

[0051] Custom expressive indicia may comprise, but are not limited to,logo's, collegiate or professional sports logos, trademark or tradedress, and special event promotions. An example of such customexpressive indicia is shown in FIG. 2A, for example, comprising customexpressive indicia of a college, Colorado State University™, configuredto the club head of a golf club. The other FIGS. 2B through 2G mayfurther described custom expressive indicia, in accordance with someembodiments of the present invention.

[0052] As previously mentioned marketing and other business activity maybe conducted incorporating such custom expressive indicia. As such, thecustom expressive indicia may be considered custom expressive marketingindicia, in some embodiments. The indicia may be customized to golfservices, and in some embodiments, golf services associated with thesports equipment, such as the golf device to which the indicia isconfigured. In other embodiments, the indicia may be customized to golfproducts, and in some embodiments, golf products associated with thesports equipment, such as the golf device. Examples of suchcustomization may include custom expressive indicia indicative of progolf shops, golf pros, manufacturers, or retailers. In some embodiments,the indicia may be customized to the sports equipment, such as the golfclub, itself.

[0053] However, the custom expressive indicia need not be indicative ofgolf services or products, and may be custom expressive indiciaindicative of other groups, businesses, or individuals apart from thesports equipment or services, or even apart from sport or athletic goodsor services generally. For example, one embodiment might include customexpressive indicia indicative of a real estate company, and the customexpressive indicia could be configured to a golf club, as shown in theFIGS. 2A through 2G.

[0054] As previously mentioned, the custom expressive indicia may becustomized to an individual, to at least one business, and to at leastone group. The group, in some embodiments, may be at least one college,at least one alumni organization, at least one business group, at leastone fraternal organization, at least one non-profit organization, atleast one group of individuals, or at least one group of entities.

[0055] In accordance with the present invention, indicia may beprovided, and in preferred embodiments custom expressive indicia, as atleast one color, at least one image, or as at least one businessdesignation, such as trademark or trade dress, or a combination thereof,and in some embodiments, further customized to an individual, group orbusiness as previously described.

[0056] Marketing and other business activity may be performedincorporating custom expressive indicia, as shown in FIG. 4. Oneembodiment of marketing in accordance with the techniques of the presentinvention incorporates the provision of equipment (50), such as at leastone golf device, configured with the custom expressive indicia, to atleast one business entity, such as at least one retail store, pro shop,wholesale store, distributor, or other such business. In someembodiments, the equipment may be provided through internet supplychannels. The business entity may further provide business activityrelative to the equipment and the custom expressive indicia.Accordingly, a display may be provided comprising the equipment, and inpreferred embodiments the golf club or a portion thereof, to display theequipment and the custom expressive indicia. The custom expressiveindicia may be custom expressive to the business entity, customers orother business relations of the business entity, or may be customexpressive to some other individual, business or group. Purchase ordersmay then be accepted (52), potentially through the internet, such as awebsite, either by the business entity or by the supplier of theequipment configured with the custom expressive indicia, for sportsequipment, such as golf clubs, configured with custom expressiveindicia. The purchase order need not request equipment identical orsubstantially similar to the equipment provided to the business entity.The purchase order could include an order for the equipment itself, anorder for the custom expressive indicia, an order for the customizationor configuration of the equipment, as further described below, or acombination thereof. The purchase order may identify a desirable customexpressive indicia to be configured to the sports equipment, or mayrequest a determination of such indicia, as further described below.

[0057] Other marketing or other business activity may be performed inaccordance with the present invention. For example, the customexpressive indicia may be utilized for brand recognition, such asthrough usage as trademark or trade dress. Such usage of the customexpressive indicia may provide for brand recognition or other trademarkor trade dress usage by the business entity to which the equipment hasbeen provided, as previously described. These examples and othermarketing and other business activity are embodiments of the presentinvention.

[0058] The determination and selection of the custom expressive indicia,or that of the sensory stimulation configuration, may be provided tohelp individuals, consumers, businesses, groups, and others, aspreviously described, make determinations, potentially based onimmediate and/or past criteria. In some embodiments, the indicia orconfiguration can be customized to the individuals, consumers,businesses, groups. Determination, selection, or customization may beprovided in an embodiment as shown in FIG. 5, and in some embodimentsvia the internet, and as further described below. In other embodiments,the custom expressive indicia or the sensory stimulation configurationmay be predetermined, potentially by the individual, consumer, business,or group. In alternative embodiments, a provider of the equipmentconfigured with the indicia or configuration may have predeterminedcriteria based upon the individual, consumer, business, or group toprovide an appropriate indicia or configuration.

[0059] In one embodiment, a service provider may request information 60about the individual, group, business, consumer, or customer. Suchinformation may include, in some embodiments with regard to sensorystimulation configuration, a listing of the relevant participated sportor sports, what problems are encounter during competition, and otherinformation, such as an optimal response, a sport performancecharacteristic, a personality characteristic, an optimal psychologicalresponse, or other information, potentially requested through questions,to assist in or determine a sensory stimulation configuration,potentially represented as a profile, such as a psychological profile.In other embodiments, information may be requested relative to a customexpressive indicia, such as information regarding trademark or tradedress. In additional embodiments, the indicia or configuration may beprovided by the individual, group, business, consumer, or customer.

[0060] The information, and in some embodiments the profile, may beanalyzed 62 to make the determination. The service provider mightprovide suggestions 64 regarding configuration, such as color choices,trademark usage, or other advice that the individual, group, business,consumer, or customer might find helpful. Additional information mayalso be requested 66, perhaps historical sport performance or salesinput, to create a more complete determination. This exchange ofinformation could be repeated until the individual, group, business,consumer, or customer had the desired information and might be followedby a purchase opportunity 68. In some embodiments, opportunities forpurchases would not require the previously described determination. Insome embodiments, the individual, group, business, consumer, or customermay obtain the results of the determination.

[0061] An individual, group, business, consumer, or customer may evendetermine their response, in some embodiments predetermine the response,such as an optimal response relative to a configuration, based on suchaspects such as personality, sport, and history of performance,performance problems, and other relevant information, to determine thesensory stimulation configuration, such as at least one color or image,including business designation, or a combination thereof that isdesirable. The determination could also include determinations regardingcustom expressive indicia, such as preferred colors, images, includingtrademark or trade dress. In some embodiments, information may be output67, 70 to the individual, group, business, consumer, or customer, whichmay include information regarding purchase, information regardinganalysis 62, including, in some embodiment, a profile. The profile mayinclude various psychological responses to certain sensory stimulationconfigurations or may include recommendations regarding utilization ofindicia. If after receiving the different psychological responses anindividual, group, business, consumer, or customer is still unsure oftheir needs they may be able to get further input previously describedand shown in FIG. 5.

[0062] Further, and in some embodiments combined with the previousfeatures of determination and customization, the sensory stimulationconfiguration or the custom expressive indicia may be generated, eitherby the individual, group, business, consumer, or customer or the serviceprovider. The generation may include the generation of at least onecolor, at least one image, at least one business designation, indiciacorresponding to an individual's optimal psychologic response, indiciacorresponding to at least one personality characteristic, or indiciacorresponding to at least one sport performance characteristic.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 6, one embodiment of the invention may providecustomization of sport equipment, such as a golf device, and inpreferred embodiments a golf club. The customization preferably involvespainting techniques to provide indicia or configuration in accordancewith the present invention. Generation of the indicia or configurationmay be provided as previously described.

[0064] One embodiment of the customization process is shown in FIG. 6and can be described through the following technique:

[0065] clean the surface to be painted (100); mask off areas not to bepainted (102); thoroughly etch unmasked area (104); clean paintablearea, in some embodiments with wax and grease remover (106); air-dry,and in some embodiments to 70 degrees minimum (108); wipe paintable areawith final clean solvent (110); air-dry, in some embodiments 70 degreesminimum (112); apply sealer, in some embodiments Valueshade orequivalent type sealer, potentially automotive or similar grade, onecoat with HVLP gravity feed gun 30-35 PSI @ the gun 6 to 9 PSI at guncap, air dry 25 minutes before topcoat of base color (114); apply basecoat, in some embodiments a base color, automotive grade, perhaps mixed1 to 1 ratio with reactive reducer (the pot life may be 8 hours at 72degrees; base coat may be exposed for 72 hours prior to clear urethaneapplication; beyond that period, use of bonding clear may be appliedprior to final clear) (116); apply the indicia or configuration (118),in some embodiments, the indicia or configuration will be generated,potentially through various mediums including digital decals, vinylmasks, airbrushed custom images, and various custom painting techniquesand potentially using automotive grade or equivalent type paints (basecolor and airbrush colors may be reduced in ratio of 100% to 200%);apply mid-clear coat may be applied over indicia or configuration forprotection (120); apply final clear coat, in some embodiments consistingof catalyzed urethane or equivalent with anti-scuff product mixedthoroughly may be applied at 45-50 PSI @ gun and 12-14 PSI @ gun cap(one coat only may be applied) (122); cure, in some embodiments at 120degrees ambient temperature for 30 minutes (124); remove masking (126).

[0066] Choice of paint used for this process may be important in someembodiments. To achieve the desired affects and produce a product thatis durable, scuff resistant and scratch resistant, automotive grade orequivalent type paints can be used along with additives to increase“flex” in the paint to reduce chipping and cracking especially when usedin applications where the painted article may endure strong impact, suchas golf. Adequate surface preparation may also be important for thepaint to properly adhere to the article. Examples of golf clubs paintedusing variations of this technique are shown in FIGS. 2A through 2G.

[0067] As can be easily understood from the foregoing, the basicconcepts of the present invention may be embodied in a variety of ways.It involves both method and process as well as apparatus and device. Inthis application, embodiments may be disclosed as part of the resultsshown to be achieved by the various plurality of apparatus and devicedescribed and as steps which are inherent to utilization. They aresimply the natural result of utilizing the plurality of apparatus anddevice as intended and described. In addition, while a plurality ofapparatus and device are disclosed, it should be understood that thesenot only accomplish certain methods and processes but also can be variedin a number of ways. Importantly, as to all of the foregoing, all ofthese facets should be understood to be encompassed by this disclosure.

[0068] It should also be understood that a variety of changes may bemade without departing from the essence of the invention. Such changesare also implicitly included in the description. They still fall withinthe scope of this invention. A broad disclosure encompassing both theexplicit embodiment(s) shown, the great variety of implicit alternativeembodiments, and the broad methods or processes and the like areencompassed by this disclosure.

[0069] Further, each of the various elements of the invention and claimsmay also be achieved in a variety of manners. This disclosure should beunderstood to encompass each such variation, be it a variation of anembodiment of any apparatus embodiment, a method or process embodiment,or even merely a variation of any element of these. Particularly, itshould be understood that as the disclosure relates to elements of theinvention, the words for each element may be expressed by equivalentapparatus terms or method terms—even if only the function or result isthe same. Such equivalent, broader, or even more generic terms should beconsidered to be encompassed in the description of each element oraction. Such terms can be substituted where desired to make explicit theimplicitly broad coverage to which this invention is entitled. As butone example, it should be understood that all actions may be expressedas a means for taking that action or as an element which causes thataction. Similarly, each element disclosed should be understood toencompass a disclosure of the action which that element facilitates.Regarding this last aspect, as but one example, the disclosure of“configuration” should be understood to encompass disclosure of the actof “configuring”—whether explicitly discussed or not—and, conversely,were there effectively disclosure of the act of “configuring”, such adisclosure should be understood to encompass disclosure of“configuration” and even a “means for configuring”. Such changes andalternative terms are to be understood to be explicitly included in thedescription.

[0070] Any acts of law, statutes, regulations, or rules mentioned inthis application for patent, and any patents, publications, or otherreferences mentioned in this application for patent are herebyincorporated by reference. In addition, as to each term used it shouldbe understood that unless its utilization in this application isinconsistent with such interpretation, common dictionary definitionsshould be understood as incorporated for each term and all definitions,alternative terms, and synonyms such as contained in the Random HouseWebster's Unabridged Dictionary, second edition and are herebyincorporated by reference. Finally, all references listed in the list ofReferences To Be Incorporated By Reference In Accordance With TheProvisional Patent Application or other information statement filed withthe application are hereby appended and hereby incorporated byreference; however, as to each of the above, to the extent that suchinformation or statements incorporated by reference might be consideredinconsistent with the patenting of this/these invention(s) suchstatements are expressly not to be considered as made by theapplicant(s).

[0071] Further, if or when used, the use of the transitional phrase“comprising” is used to maintain the “open-end” claims herein, accordingto traditional claim interpretation. Thus, unless the context requiresotherwise, it should be understood that the term “comprise” orvariations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, are intended to implythe inclusion of a stated element or step or group of elements or stepsbut not the exclusion of any other element or step or group of elementsor steps. Such terms should be interpreted in their most expansive formso as to afford the applicant the broadest coverage legally permissible.

[0072] The claims set forth in this application are hereby incorporatedby reference as part of the description of the invention, and theapplicant expressly reserves the right to use all of or a portion ofsuch incorporated content of such claims as additional description tosupport any of or all of the claims or any element or component thereof.The Applicant's further expressly reserves the right to move any portionof or all of the incorporated content of such claims or any element orcomponent thereof from the description into the claims or from theclaims into the description as necessary to further define the matterfor which protection is sought by this application or by any subsequentcontinuing application thereof, or to obtain any benefit of, reductionin fees pursuant to, or to comply with the patent laws, rules, orregulations of any country or treaty, and such content incorporated byreference shall survive during the entire pendency of this applicationincluding any subsequent continuing application thereof or any reissueor extension thereon.

We claim:
 1. A marketing system, comprising: a golf device; and customexpressive indicia configured to said golf device.
 2. A marketing systemas described in claim 1, wherein said custom expressive indiciacomprises custom expressive marketing indicia.
 3. A marketing system asdescribed in claim 2, wherein said custom expressive marketing indiciais customized to golf services.
 4. A marketing system as described inclaim 3 wherein said golf services are associated with said golf device.5. A marketing system as described in claim 2, wherein said customexpressive marketing indicia is customized to golf products.
 6. Amarketing system as described in claim 4 wherein said golf products areassociated with said golf device.
 7. A marketing system as described inclaim 2, wherein said custom expressive marketing indicia is customizedto said golf device.
 8. A marketing system as described in claim 2wherein said custom expressive marketing indicia is individuallycustomized.
 9. A marketing system as described in claim 2, wherein saidcustom expressive marketing indicia is customized to at least onebusiness.
 10. A marketing system as described in claim 2, wherein saidcustom expressive marketing indicia is customized to at least one group.11. A marketing system as described in claim 10, wherein said customexpressive marketing indicia is customized to at least one groupselected from the group consisting of: at least one college, at leastone alumni organization, at least one business group, at least onefraternal organization, at least one non-profit organization, at leastone group of individuals, and at least one group of entities.
 12. Amarketing system as described in claim 2, wherein said custom expressivemarketing indicia comprises at least one color.
 13. A marketing systemas described in claim 2, wherein said custom expressive marketingindicia comprises at least one image.
 14. A marketing system asdescribed in claim 2 wherein said custom expressive marketing indiciacomprises at least one business designation.
 15. A marketing system asdescribed in claim 1, wherein said custom expressive indicia comprisesat least one color.
 16. A marketing system as described in claim 15,wherein said color is individually customized.
 17. A marketing system asdescribed in claim 15, wherein said color is customized to at least onebusiness.
 18. A marketing system as described in claim 15, wherein saidcolor is customized to at least one group.
 19. A marketing system asdescribed in claim 18, wherein said color is customized to at least onegroup selected from the group consisting of: at least one college, atleast one alumni organization, at least one business group, at least onefraternal organization, at least one non-profit organization, at leastone group of individuals, and at least one group of entities.
 20. Amarketing system as described in claim 15, wherein said color inducespsychological response.
 21. A marketing system as described in claim 1,wherein said custom expressive indicia comprises at least one image. 22.A marketing system as described in claim 21, wherein said image isindividually customized.
 23. A marketing system as described in claim21, wherein said image is customized to at least one business.
 24. Amarketing system as described in claim 21, wherein said image iscustomized to at least one group.
 25. A marketing system as described inclaim 24, wherein said image is customized to at least one groupselected from the group consisting of: at least one college, at leastone alumni organization, at least one business group, at least onefraternal organization, at least one non-profit organization, at leastone group of individuals, and at least one group of entities.
 26. Amarketing system as described in claim 21, wherein said image inducespsychological response.
 27. A marketing system as described in claim 1,wherein said custom expressive indicia comprises at least one businessdesignation.
 28. A marketing system as described in claim 1, whereinsaid custom expressive indicia is customized to at least one group. 29.A marketing system as described in claim 28, wherein said customexpressive marketing indicia is customized to at least one groupselected from the group consisting of: at least one college, at leastone alumni organization, at least one business group, at least onefraternal organization, at least one non-profit organization, at leastone group of individuals, and at least one group of entities.
 30. Amarketing system as described in claim 1, wherein said custom expressiveindicia induces psychological response.
 31. A marketing system asdescribed in claims 2, 15, 21, 27, 28, 30, wherein said indiciacomprises predetermined custom expressive indicia.
 32. A golf clubcomprising custom expressive indicia configured to induce a responsefrom an individual.
 33. A golf club comprising custom color marketingindicia.
 34. A golf club comprising custom image marketing indicia. 35.A golf club comprising custom business designation marketing indicia.36. A golf marketing system comprising custom expressive marketingindicia configured to a golf device.
 37. A method of marketing,comprising the steps of: configuring at least one golf device withcustom expressive indicia; and marketing with said custom expressiveindicia.
 38. A method of marketing as described in claim 37, furthercomprising the step of generating said custom expressive indicia.
 39. Amethod of marketing as described in claim 38, wherein said step ofgenerating comprises customizing said custom expressive indicia to atleast one individual.
 40. A method of marketing as described in claim38, wherein said step of generating comprises customizing said customexpressive indicia to at least one group.
 41. A method of marketing asdescribed in claim 40, wherein said step of customizing said indicia toa group comprises customizing to a group selected from the groupconsisting of: at least one college, at least one alumni organization,at least one business group, at least one fraternal organization, atleast one non-profit organization, at least one group of individuals,and at least one group of entities.
 42. A method of marketing asdescribed in claim 38, wherein said step of generating comprisescustomizing said custom expressive indicia to at least one business. 43.A method of marketing as described in claim 38, wherein said step ofgenerating comprises customizing said custom expressive indicia toinduce psychological response.
 44. A method of marketing as described inclaim 38, wherein said step of generating comprises customizing saidcustom expressive indicia to at least one color.
 45. A method ofmarketing as described in claim 38, wherein said step of generatingcomprises customizing said custom expressive indicia to at least oneimage.
 46. A method of marketing as described in claim 44 or 45, whereinsaid step of generating comprises customizing said custom expressiveindicia to induce psychological response.
 47. A method of marketing asdescribed in claim 38, wherein said step of generating comprisesgenerating custom expressive marketing indicia.
 48. A method ofmarketing as described in claim 47, wherein said step of generatingcomprises generating custom expressive marketing indicia customized togolf services.
 49. A method of marketing as described in claim 48,wherein said step of generating comprises generating custom expressivemarketing indicia customized to golf services associated with said golfdevice.
 50. A method of marketing as described in claim 47, wherein saidstep of generating comprises generating custom expressive marketingindicia customized to golf products.
 51. A method of marketing asdescribed in claim 50, wherein said step of generating comprisesgenerating custom expressive marketing indicia customized to golfproducts associated with said golf device.
 52. A method of marketing asdescribed in claim 47, wherein said step of generating comprisesgenerating custom expressive marketing indicia customized to said golfdevice.
 53. A method of marketing as described in claim 37, wherein saidstep of marketing comprises providing said at least one golf device toat least one business entity.
 54. A method of marketing as described inclaim 53, wherein said step of marketing comprises providing said atleast one golf device to at least one retail store.
 55. A method ofmarketing as described in claim 53, wherein said step of marketingcomprises providing said at least one golf device to at least one proshop.
 56. A method of marketing as described in claim 53, wherein saidstep of marketing comprises providing said at least one golf device toat least one wholesale store.
 57. A method of marketing as described inclaims 54, 55, or 56, wherein said step of providing comprises providingat least one golf device display configured with custom expressiveindicia.
 58. A method of marketing as described in claim 57, whereinsaid step of marketing further comprises accepting orders for at leastone golf device configured with custom expressive indicia.
 59. A methodof marketing as described in claim 53, wherein said step of marketingcomprises providing said at least one golf device through the Internet.60. A method of marketing as described in claim 53, wherein said step ofmarketing comprises accepting orders through the Internet.
 61. A methodof marketing as described in claim 60, wherein said step of marketingcomprises accepting orders on at least one web site.
 62. A method ofmarketing as described in claim 37, wherein said step of marketingcomprises utilizing said custom expressive indicia as brand recognition.63. A method of marketing as described in claim 53, wherein said step ofmarketing comprises utilizing said custom expressive indicia as brandrecognition of said at least one business entity.
 64. A method ofmarketing as described in claim 37, further comprising the step ofdetermining said custom expressive indicia.
 65. A method of marketing asdescribed in claim 64, wherein said step of determining comprisesreceiving said custom expressive indicia.
 66. A method of marketing asdescribed in claim 65, wherein said step of receiving comprisesreceiving an indicia order from a customer.
 67. A method of marketing asdescribed in claim 64, wherein said step of determining comprisesanalyzing an individual's psychological profile.
 68. A method ofmarketing as described in claim 67, further comprising the step ofrequesting individual information.
 69. A method of marketing asdescribed in claim 67 or 68, wherein said step of analyzing comprisesanalyzing an individual's optimal psychologic response.
 70. A method ofmarketing as described in claim 67 or 68, wherein said step of analyzingcomprises analyzing at least one personality characteristic.
 71. Amethod of marketing as described in claim 67 or 68, wherein said step ofanalyzing comprises analyzing at least one sport performancecharacteristic.
 72. A method of marketing as described in claim 64,wherein said step of determining comprises requesting individualinformation.
 73. A method of marketing as described in claim 72, whereinsaid step of requesting comprises requesting at least one personalitycharacteristic.
 74. A method of marketing as described in claim 72,wherein said step of requesting comprises requesting at least one sportperformance characteristic.
 75. A method of golf marketing comprisingthe step of golf marketing with custom expressive marketing indiciaconfigured to a golf device.
 76. A method of golf device customization,comprising the steps of: generating custom expressive indicia; andconfiguring a golf device with said custom expressive indicia.
 77. Amethod of golf device customization as described in claim 76, whereinsaid step of configuring comprises: cleaning at least one surface ofsaid golf device; masking off at least one surface of said golf devicenot to be painted; etching unmasked areas of said golf device; cleaningat least one indicia surface with at least one cleaning material; dryingsaid at least one indicia surface; applying a solvent to said at leastone indicia surface; drying said at least one indicia surface; applyinga sealer to said at least one indicia surface; drying said at least oneindicia surface; applying a base color to said at least one indiciasurface; applying said custom expressive indicia to said at least oneindicia surface; applying at least one clear coat to said at least oneindicia surface; and curing said at least one indicia surface.
 78. Amethod of golf device customization as described in claim 76 or 77,wherein said step of generating comprises generating custom expressivemarketing indicia.
 79. A method of golf device customization asdescribed in claim 76 or 77, wherein said step of generating comprisesgenerating custom expressive indicia selected from a group consistingof: at least one digital decal, at least one vinyl mask, at least oneairbrushed image, at least one custom painted color, and at least onecustom painted image.
 80. A method of golf device customization asdescribed in claim 77, wherein said step of applying said base color andsaid step of applying said indicia comprise reducing said base color andsaid indicia within a range of about 100 to 200 percent.
 81. A method ofgolf device customization as described in claim 76, further comprisingthe step of determining said custom expressive indicia.
 82. A golfdevice comprising custom expressive indicia produced by the method ofclaim 76 or
 77. 83. A method of affecting sport performance, comprisingthe steps of: configuring sports equipment with a sensory stimulationconfiguration; inducing a response from an individual corresponding tosaid sensory stimulation configuration; and affecting the performance ofsaid individual corresponding to said response.
 84. A method ofaffecting sport performance as described in claim 83, wherein said stepof affecting comprises enhancing the performance of said individualcorresponding to said response.
 85. A method of affecting sportperformance as described in claim 83, wherein said step of configuringcomprises configuring at least one golf club with a sensory stimulationconfiguration.
 86. A method of affecting sport performance as describedin claim 83, wherein said step of configuring comprises configuring withcustom expressive indicia.
 87. A method of affecting sport performanceas described in claim 83, wherein said step of inducing comprisesinducing a psychologic response.
 88. A method of affecting sportperformance as described in claim 87, wherein said step of inducingcomprises inducing an emotion.
 89. A method of affecting sportperformance as described in claim 87, further comprising the step ofinducing a physiologic response after inducing said psychologicalresponse.
 90. A method of affecting sport performance as described inclaim 83, wherein said step of inducing comprises inducing a physiologicresponse.
 91. A method of affecting sport performance as described inclaim 83, wherein said step of inducing comprises inducing an initiallypsychological response.
 92. A method of affecting sport performance asdescribed in claim 91, further comprising the step of inducing aphysiologic response after inducing said initially psychologicalresponse.
 93. A method of affecting sport performance as described inclaim 83, further comprising step of utilizing said equipment by anindividual and wherein step of inducing comprises inducing during saidstep of utilizing.
 94. A method of affecting sport performance asdescribed in claim 93, wherein step of utilizing comprises utilizingduring performance of a sport.
 95. A method of affecting sportperformance as described in claim 94, wherein step of affectingcomprises affecting during performance of an activity of said sport. 96.A method of affecting sport performance as described in claim 83,further comprising the step of generating said sensory stimulationconfiguration.
 97. A method of affecting sport performance as describedin claim 96, wherein said step of generating comprises analyzing anindividual's psychological profile.
 98. A method of affecting sportperformance as described in claim 97, further comprising the step ofrequesting individual information.
 99. A method of affecting sportperformance as described in claim 97 or 98, wherein said step ofanalyzing comprises analyzing an individual's optimal psychologicresponse.
 100. A method of affecting sport performance as described inclaim 97 or 98, wherein said step of analyzing comprises analyzing atleast one personality characteristic.
 101. A method of affecting sportperformance as described in claim 97 or 98, wherein said step ofanalyzing comprises analyzing at least one sport performancecharacteristic.
 102. A method of affecting sport performance asdescribed in claim 96, wherein said step of generating comprisesgenerating at least one color.
 103. A method of affecting sportperformance as described in claim 96, wherein said step of generatingcomprises generating at least one image.
 104. A method of affectingsport performance as described in claim 96 wherein said step ofgenerating comprises generating at least one business designation. 105.A method of affecting sport performance as described in claim 102, 103,or 104, wherein said step of generating further comprises generatingindicia corresponding to an individual's optimal psychologic response.106. A method of affecting sport performance as described in claim 102,103, or 104, wherein said step of generating further comprisesgenerating indicia corresponding to at least one personalitycharacteristic.
 107. A method of affecting sport performance asdescribed in claim 102, 103, or 104, wherein said step of generatingfurther comprises generating indicia corresponding to at least one sportperformance characteristic.
 108. A method of affecting sport performanceas described in claim 83, wherein said step of configuring comprisesconfiguring with individually customized sensory stimulatingconfiguration.
 109. A method of affecting sport performance as describedin claim 108, wherein said step of configuring comprises configuringwith individually customized sensory stimulating configurationcorresponding to an individual's optimal psychologic response.
 110. Amethod of affecting sport performance as described in claim 108, whereinsaid step of configuring comprises configuring with individuallycustomized sensory stimulating configuration corresponding to at leastone personality characteristic.
 111. A method of affecting sportperformance as described in claim 108, wherein said step of configuringcomprises configuring with individually customized sensory stimulatingconfiguration corresponding to at least one sport performancecharacteristic.
 112. A method of affecting sport performance asdescribed in claim 83 or 108, wherein said step of configuring comprisesconfiguring with at least one color.
 113. A method of affecting sportperformance as described in claim 112, wherein said step of configuringcomprises configuring with at least one business designation.
 114. Amethod of affecting sport performance as described in claim 83 or 108,wherein said step of configuring comprises configuring with at least oneimage.
 115. A method of affecting sport performance as described inclaim 114, wherein said step of configuring comprises configuring withat least one business designation.
 116. A method of inducing apsychological response in sports, comprising the steps of: configuringsports equipment with a sensory stimulation configuration; and inducingpsychological response from an individual corresponding to said sensorystimulation configuration.
 117. A method of inducing a psychologicalresponse in sports as described in claim 116, wherein said step ofinducing comprises inducing an emotion.
 118. A method of inducing apsychological response in sports as described in claim 116, furthercomprising the step of inducing a physiologic response after inducingsaid psychological response.
 119. A method of inducing a psychologicalresponse in sports as described in claim 116, wherein said step ofinducing comprises inducing a physiologic response.
 120. A method ofinducing a psychological response in sports as described in claim 116,wherein said step of inducing comprises inducing an initiallypsychological response.
 121. A method of inducing a psychologicalresponse in sports as described in claim 120, further comprising thestep of inducing a physiologic response after inducing said initiallypsychological response.
 122. A method of performance enhancement insports, comprising the steps of: configuring sports equipment with anindividually customized sensory stimulation configuration; inducing aresponse from an individual corresponding to said individuallycustomized sensory stimulation configuration; and enhancing theperformance of said individual corresponding to said response.
 123. Amethod of performance enhancement in sports as described in claim 122,wherein said step of configuring comprises configuring with anindividually customized sensory stimulation configuration correspondingto an individual's optimal psychologic response.
 124. A method ofperformance enhancement in sports as described in claim 122, whereinsaid step of configuring comprises configuring with an individuallycustomized sensory stimulation configuration corresponding to at leastone personality characteristic.
 125. A method of performance enhancementin sports as described in claim 122, wherein said step of configuringcomprises configuring with an individually customized sensorystimulation configuration corresponding to at least one sportperformance characteristic.
 126. A method of performance enhancement insports as described in claim 122, wherein said step of configuringcomprises configuring with at least one color.
 127. A method ofperformance enhancement in sports as described in claim 126, whereinsaid step of configuring comprises configuring with at least onebusiness designation.
 128. A method of performance enhancement in sportsas described in claim 122, wherein said step of configuring comprisesconfiguring with at least one image.
 129. A method of performanceenhancement in sports as described in claim 128, wherein said step ofconfiguring comprises configuring with at least one businessdesignation.
 130. A method of performance enhancement in sports,comprising the steps of: configuring sports equipment with a sensorystimulation configuration unapparently associated with structuralfunction of said sports equipment; inducing a response from anindividual corresponding to said sensory stimulation configuration; andenhancing the performance of said individual corresponding to saidresponse.
 131. A method of performing a sport, comprising the steps of:utilizing sports equipment configured with a sensory stimulationconfiguration; responding to said sensory stimulation configuration; andperforming an action of said sport corresponding to said response. 132.A method of performing a sport as described in claim 131, wherein saidstep of inducing comprises inducing an emotion.
 133. A method ofperforming a sport as described in claim 131, further comprising thestep of inducing a physiologic response after inducing saidpsychological response.
 134. A method of performing a sport as describedin claim 131, wherein said step of inducing comprises inducing aphysiologic response.
 135. A method of performing a sport as describedin claim 131, wherein said step of inducing comprises inducing aninitially psychological response.
 136. A method of performing a sport asdescribed in claim 135, further comprising the step of inducing aphysiologic response after inducing said initially psychologicalresponse.
 137. Sport equipment, comprising: a sensory stimulationconfiguration of at least a portion of said sports equipment; whereinsaid sensory stimulation configuration is configured to induce aresponse from an individual and affect the performance of saidindividual corresponding to said response.
 138. Sport equipment asdescribed in claim 137, wherein said sports equipment comprise at leastone golf club.
 139. Sport equipment as described in claim 138, whereinsaid at least one golf club has a club head and wherein said sensorystimulation configuration comprises a configuration of at least aportion of said club head.
 140. Sport equipment as described in claim137, wherein said sensory stimulation configuration comprises at leastone color.
 141. Sport equipment as described in claim 137, wherein saidsensory stimulation configuration comprises at least one image. 142.Sport equipment as described in claim 140 or 141, wherein said sensorystimulation configuration comprises at least one business designation.143. Sport equipment as described in claim 137, wherein said sensorystimulation configuration is configured to induce a psychologicalresponse from an individual.
 144. Sports equipment as described inclaims 138, 140, 141, 142, or 143, wherein said sensory stimulationconfiguration comprises a predetermined sensory stimulationconfiguration.
 145. A method of golf device customization, comprisingthe steps of: generating a sensory stimulation configuration; andconfiguring a golf device with said sensory stimulation configuration.146. A method of golf device customization as described in claim 145,wherein said step of configuring comprises: cleaning at least onesurface of said golf device; masking off at least one surface of saidgolf device not to be painted; etching unmasked areas of said golfdevice; cleaning at least one configuration surface with at least onecleaning material; drying said at least one indicia surface; applying asolvent to said at least one configuration surface; drying said at leastone indicia surface; applying a sealer to said at least oneconfiguration surface; drying said at least one configuration surface;applying a base color to said at least one configuration surface;applying said custom expressive indicia to said at least oneconfiguration surface; applying at least one clear coat to said at leastone configuration surface; and curing said at least one configurationsurface.
 147. A method of golf device customization as described inclaim 145 or 146, wherein said step of generating comprises generating asensory stimulation configuration selected from a group consisting of:at least one digital decal, at least one vinyl mask, at least oneairbrushed image, at least one custom painted color, and at least onecustom painted image.
 148. A method of golf device customization asdescribed in claim 146, wherein said step of applying said base colorand said step of applying said indicia comprise reducing said base colorand said indicia within a range of about 100 to 200 percent.
 149. Amethod of golf device customization as described in claim 145, furthercomprising the step of determining said sensory stimulationconfiguration.
 150. A golf device comprising custom expressive indiciaproduced by the method of claim 145 or 146.